Volume 1 (1999/2000)
Issue 1 (March 1999)
Issue 2 (Nov. 1999)
Issue 3 (Dec. 1999)
Issue 4 (Feb. 2000)
Issue 5 (March 2000)
Issue 6 (April 2000)
Issue 7 (May 2000)

Volume 2 (2000/2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2000)
Issue 2 (Oct. 2000)
Issue 3 (Jan. 2001)
Issue 4 (March 2001)
Issue 5 (April 2001)
Issue 6 (May 2001)

Volume 3 (2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2001)
Issue 2 (Nov. 2001)

Categories
Sport: 1 2 3
Lifestyles: 1 2 3
Commentary: 1 2 3
Review: 1 2 3
Writing: 1 2 3
Event: 1 2 3

How Important Are Looks In Your Chosen Career?

Susan Griffin,
Loreto High School Beaufort

This is a topic that I’ve often wondered about. These days, there’s a lot of emphasis on looks and being the perfect size but, apart from sex appeal, does is it really make a significant difference in any other area of life? Would being better looking increase your chances of success in your chosen career?

We are all aware of the discrimination (based on race, nationality, cultural background, social status, etc) that occurs in some businesses when hiring. Would you be more likely to get that vital slot if your eyes were bigger, lips fuller, legs longer or butt bigger? Well it all depends on the job of course. It’s an undeniable fact that in different careers good looks are considered a big plus, and I don’t just mean for models and actresses. But don’t flush that college prospectus down the toilet yet!

Years ago I assumed that the only people who had to be stunning were those whose careers were based entirely on looks. However, 'looks' are a powerful asset in other jobs too. There are countless film/music critics that express 'their opinion' on the latest Tom Cruise blockbuster or U2 album who know as much about films or music as Mariah Carey does about subtlety. While there are critics out there who’ve got where they are by hard work and extensive knowledge, it seems a pity that they’re coming home on Friday with the same pay pack as the unenlightened stunners. Similarly, there are many hard working company reps out there with vital communication skills that have got them their PR job but, on the other hand, there’s too many ex-models or very good-looking ones out there who are quite literally used as a ‘face’ for the company in question. And again both employees' bank accounts are credited to the same amount at the end of each month. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t consider entering these areas unless you have a body to die for and a face to match. But one should be prepared for this type of discrimination.

The majority of jobs out there don’t require good looks but sure it can’t but help, right? Well this may not always be the case; employers have been known to turn the busty blonde down for the brunette that appears more serious even though both have the same credentials. Some employers feel the other workers or customers would be distracted and many others don’t think their business would be taken seriously with a Pammy look-alike representing their company.

It is a sad fact that a lot of people have a terrible habit of judging a book by its attractive cover. But nothing lasts forever; often those who get jobs based on their looks alone are put the door as soon as the first wrinkle appears. Unless of course they go under the cosmetic surgeon’s knife but who wants to live like that, eh?

Back to the top